Gothenburg

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A major city in Sweden known for its large port, cultural institutions, and vibrant urban life
2. Scandinavia’s second-largest city characterized by its maritime industry, diverse architecture, and rich cultural scene
3. A prominent Swedish urban center notable for its harbor, festivals, and role as a commercial and cultural hub

Etymology: Gothenburg is named after the Goths, the Germanic people whose name also gave us the word "Gothic." The Swedish city Göteborg sits at the mouth of the Göta älv river, and the name combines the river's own name, Göta, with "borg," meaning fortress or town. The Göta river is itself linked to the Geats, a people of southern Sweden whose name is tied to the Goths, so the city's name points back to an old tribal identity rather than to any single founder. English speakers mostly met the city through German, where it was rendered as "Gothenburg," and that spelling became the usual English form. The Swedish spelling Göteborg is now standard in English-language contexts, while the older form survives mainly in historical writing.

Synonyms: Göteborg